Bulfinch’s Mythology · Chapter
XIX: Hercules—Hebe and Ganymede explained
This chapter recounts the life and labors of Hercules, son of Jupiter and Alcmena, from his miraculous infancy to his apotheosis.
What happens
This chapter recounts the life and labors of Hercules, son of Jupiter and Alcmena, from his miraculous infancy to his apotheosis. It details the Twelve Labors imposed by Eurystheus, including the Nemean lion, the Hydra, the Augean stables, the girdle of Hippolyta, the oxen of Geryon, the golden apples of the Hesperides, the victory over Antaeus, the slaying of Cacus, and the capture of Cerberus. It also covers his servitude to Omphale, his marriage to Dejanira, the fatal poisoning by the robe steeped in Nessus's blood, his death on Mount Oeta, and his ascent to Olympus where he marries Hebe. The chapter concludes with a brief mention of Hebe and Ganymede as cupbearers to the gods.
Themes in this chapter
Heroism and the Quest
Hercules's Twelve Labors exemplify the heroic quest, overcoming monstrous and divine obstacles through strength and cunning.
Hubris and Divine Retribution
Juno's persistent hostility and Hercules's eventual suffering from the poisoned robe illustrate the consequences of divine anger and mortal error.
Mortality and Immortality
Hercules's death by fire and ascent to Olympus highlight the transition from mortal suffering to immortal divine status.
Characters to notice
- Hercules
Central figure of the chapter; performs the Twelve Labors, descends to Hades, and is ultimately deified.
- Jupiter
Father of Hercules; intervenes to deify him and arranges his marriage to Hebe.
- Juno
Hostile to Hercules from birth; later reconciled and gives him Hebe in marriage.
- Atlas
Titan who bears the heavens; tricked by Hercules into fetching the golden apples.
- Antaeus
Giant wrestler, son of Terra; defeated by Hercules when lifted from the earth.
- Theseus
Freed by Hercules from Hades after attempting to carry off Proserpine.
- Proserpine
Mentioned in connection with Theseus's failed attempt to abduct her.
- Hebe
Goddess of youth, daughter of Juno; married to Hercules after his deification.
Key passages
“Hercules was the son of Jupiter and Alcmena. As Juno was always hostile to the offspring of her husband by mortal mothers, she declared war against Hercules from his birth.”
Hercules, born to Jupiter and a mortal woman, faced Juno's relentless enmity from the moment he was born.
Establishes the divine conflict that drives Hercules's trials.
“The most difficult labor of all was getting the golden apples of the Hesperides, for Hercules did not know where to find them.”
The hardest task was retrieving the golden apples of the Hesperides, as their location was unknown to Hercules.
Highlights the theme of the unknown and the need for cleverness.
“Hercules in a fit of madness killed his friend Iphitus, and was condemned for this offence to become the slave of Queen Omphale for three years.”
In a moment of madness, Hercules killed his friend Iphitus and was punished by serving as a slave to Queen Omphale for three years.
Illustrates the hero's vulnerability to divine-induced madness and the theme of atonement.
“The gods themselves felt troubled at seeing the champion of the earth so brought to his end. But Jupiter with cheerful countenance thus addressed them...”
The gods were distressed by Hercules's suffering, but Jupiter reassured them that his divine essence would survive the flames.
Foreshadows Hercules's apotheosis and the reconciliation with Juno.
